Michigan State and Auburn Set for Elite Eight Clash in Atlanta

Tom Izzo and Bruce Pearl meet again as their teams, led by standout freshmen, battle for a Final Four spot.

Michigan State advanced to the Elite Eight with a narrow 73-70 win over Ole Miss, marking Tom Izzo's 11th Elite Eight appearance.
Auburn, the No. 1 seed, defeated Michigan 78-65 in the Sweet 16, with Tahaad Pettiford leading a second-half surge.
Both teams feature standout freshmen, with Michigan State's Jase Richardson and Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford playing pivotal roles in their tournament runs.
Bruce Pearl has framed Auburn as underdogs despite their No. 1 seed, citing Michigan State's storied NCAA history and coaching legacy.
The game rekindles a coaching rivalry between Izzo and Pearl, who last faced each other in a 2010 Elite Eight matchup won by Michigan State.